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Health & Science3h 33m ago
A new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA passed down to people in the South Pacific actively regulates genes related to immunity and skeletal development, rather than being inert genetic 'leftovers'.
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South Pacific, Papua New Guinea
Who
Serena Tucci, Patrick Reilly, Yale Human Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory
What
A new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA passed down to people in the South Pacific actively regulates genes related to immunity and skeletal development, rather than being inert genetic 'leftovers'.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:15:00 GMT · 3h 33m ago
Where
South Pacific, Papua New Guinea ·
Why
The study aimed to close the gap in human DNA mapping, which previously leaned heavily on people of European descent, and investigate the active role of ancient DNA in health.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This research provides direct evidence that inherited ancient DNA is still functional, influencing human biology today, and could lead to improved medical treatments by better understanding genetic influences on disease and survival in underrepresented populations.
Story chain
7 events in this thread- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study reveals that ancient Denisovan DNA is still actively regulating genes in modern humans, particularly those related to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Currently Reading3h 33m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA passed down to people in the South Pacific actively regulates genes related to immunity and skeletal development, rather than being inert genetic 'leftovers'.
- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study found that DNA passed down from Denisovans remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development, particularly affecting communities in the South Pacific.Open article
- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA remains active in people today, helping regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA is still active in humans today, switching genes on and off with real consequences for health, particularly in immunity and bone development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA remains active in people today, regulating genes linked to immunity and skeletal development.Open article
- Health & Science3h 33m agoA new study found that ancient Denisovan DNA continues to actively regulate genes linked to immunity and skeletal development in people today.Open article